The articulated tanker, with Bangkok licence plates, lay overturned in the middle of the road. It was carrying 42,000 litres of diesel. The tank ruptured, with the fuel gushing out rapidly onto the road.

Nearby residents rushed to collect the fuel in buckets before it flowed into the roadside ditch.

Police declared the area off-limits to people and other vehicles, for fear the tanker might catch fire. Inbound lanes to downtown Nakhon Ratchasima were closed to traffic. One lane was later opened for vehicles heading to Nakhon Ratchasima.

Investigators said the fuel tanker was travelling from Chon Buri to Khon Kaen. The driver lost control at a curve. The truck ran into the traffic barrier and overturned.